Page 24 of Save Me

“Don’t look at me,” I retort, the sound of my voice laced with a hint of defiance. My fingers deftly work their way down the buttons of my shirt. “And don’t let her innocent face fool you,” I say, my words accompanied by a mischievous wink directed at Starlet.

Starlet’s mouth drops open, a mixture of surprise and disbelief etched across her face. Leaving them both behind, I make my way towards the bedroom.

Guess black would be a better option.

“What the fuck do you mean you can’t find him?” The fury in my voice reverberates through the dimly lit warehouse, its echo bouncing off the cold concrete walls. “How does this guy just vanish into thin air so that neither you nor me—not even a fucking hacker can find him?” The rage courses through my veins, my blood reaching its boiling point.

How can Zavier simply disappear without leaving a single trace behind? He did the same when he held Starlet captive, and now he’s done it again. I’ve always had the ability to track down anyone, regardless of the information I had, but him—he’s like a phantom, a ghost.

To be honest, I can’t entirely blame him. Ever since Starlet gave her statement, revealing that he had not only abducted her but also multiple other girls, only to brutally murder them, there’s a relentless manhunt for him. And let’s not forget how he lied to her about my death. He knows I’m searching for him too, and whenI finally find him, he’ll beg me to end his miserable existence.

“I don’t know what to tell you, kid. It’s like he doesn’t exist. His social media, photos, everything has been wiped clean,” Joe explains, his voice tinged with frustration, as he rubs the back of his neck.

I’m not angry at him; I just need to find this scumbag and make him pay. My frustration consumes me as I slump into the worn leather desk chair, my mind drifting to Starlet.

She finally mustered the courage to visit the psychologist recommended by the officer. She needs that, the help that I can’t provide. All I can do is to be there for her, hold her tightly, and make her feel safe again.

But right now, she needs more than just my presence if she’s ever going to regain her old self. Though, in my heart, I know she’ll never be the same again.

“Okay, okay. I apologize for losing it earlier, Joe. It’s not your fault. We will find him... one way or another,” I say, my voice steadier now, as I rise from the chair and make my way towards the door. Joeoffers me a sympathetic smile, patting my shoulder in understanding before I head back to the car.

I want to be home when Starlet gets back. Though I may not have all the answers to her mental turmoil, I can physically show her just how much she means to me.

Chapter 18

STARLET

Ihave never beenso nervous in my entire life. Writing an exam about criminal behavior and human nature didn’t even have me this freaked out.

I’m patiently waiting in the silent waiting room to be called. The fluorescent lights hum softly overhead, casting a sterile, white glow. My leg won’t stop bouncing, and my forehead is coated with sweat droplets, making my skin feel clammy and sticky. Though I’m not the only one here.

On my right is another young woman, her fingers trembling as she nervously twirls a strand of her hair. Across from me sits a mother with a little girl no olderthan five, the little girl fidgeting with her stuffed toy, her wide eyes filled with innocence and curiosity.

Looking at each of them I can’t help but wonder why they are here. What pushed them to the point of having to seek therapy? What happened to them? Who hurt them?

I almost leap out of my skin when an older lady calls my name, her voice gentle yet commanding, standing right in front of me gazing down at me with a warming smile on her rosy lips.

“Miss. Macklamor?” Nodding, I slowly rise and follow her down the narrow hallway that consists of a few doors on either side of me. With each step I take, the floor creaks beneath my weight, adding to the tension in the air. My heart pounds harder against my chest, its rhythm echoing in my ears, drowning out the muffled sounds of distant conversations. Swallowing hard, I can hear Argent’s voice echoing in my mind.

Breathe.

We stop in front of one of the doors, the wood polished to a shine. The woman turns and smiles at me before walking past me back to the front, her footstepsfading away. Taking a deep breath, I softly knock on the door.

“Come in.” A low, gravelly voice of a man speaks from inside. Cautiously, I enter the room, closing the door behind me with a soft click. The smell of leather and cedarwood cologne reaches my nose, mingling with the faint scent of coffee.

My eyes land on him as he turns to face me, a puzzled look forming on my face as I stare at him. He seems so familiar. I swear I’ve seen him somewhere before.

“Please, have a seat.” He says, gesturing to the chair in front of his wooden desk. Complying, I manage to smile at him before taking a seat. My eyes scan his office, noticing all the degrees and awards hanging on the walls, their shiny frames catching the light.

Wow, he really is one of the best.

“I’m glad to see you’re safe,” he says, his voice breaking the silence. Furrowing my brows, I turn my gaze back to him. “Your abduction was all everyone was talking about,” he clarifies. I can see the concern etched on his face, his eyes searching for any signs of comprehension in my puzzled expression.

“Oh—um, yeah,” I stutter, my voice barely audible as I avoid making eye contact. Instead, I find solace in staring at my trembling fingers, twirling them nervously in my lap.

“You can speak freely to me, Miss Macklamor,” he states, his voice soothing yet commanding. I nod silently, my eyes still fixed on my lap.

“Eyes on me, Starlet,” his deep voice resonates, snapping me out of my trance. I meet his gaze as he leans forward, his elbows resting on the desk, his eyes locked onto mine.

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